Pet supplies for every age

These are the developmental stages a cat's body goes through in its first year:

• Stage 1: The kitten opens its eyes but still needs the warmth and care of its mother.
• Stage 2: The first few weeks are all about sleeping, growing, and developing baby teeth.
• Stage 3: After about a month, kittens begin to walk and start eating solid food.
• Stage 4: Up to six months, cats grow steadily and go through teething.
• Stage 5: Around seven months, cats reach sexual maturity — males a little later.
• Stage 6: By one year of age, growth is complete and your cat is fully grown.

In their first year, kittens go through major changes not only physically but also in terms of character. From their mother and siblings, they learn important basics like grooming and hunting. After the kitten moves in, it’s up to you to continue their socialization.

To help your kitten settle in and calmly get used to everyday situations, offer safe hiding spots and show plenty of patience. Older cats, by the way, can also still be socialized this way.

Little cats have big expectations when it comes to their new home. In addition to a safe retreat, a kitten needs at least the following basic equipment:

• Litter box
• Cat litter
• Food and water bowls
• Scratching post
• Toys
• A cozy sleeping spot

A cat-safe home should be free of hazards from the very beginning, such as toxic plants or unsecured tilt windows. What you do need in a cat household is plenty of patience and understanding.

When it comes to litter training or setting boundaries, the golden rule of kitten education is: praise instead of scolding — even if that can be tough during the feline teenage phase. In addition to training, which can be made easier with clicker training, playtime should never be neglected.

You want to enjoy your time with your cat for as long as possible. Sufficient stimulation for body and mind, loving care, and the right nutrition are the cornerstones for a long and happy cat life.

From the first to the seventh year, cats are in their prime. Take this time to try out new activities and games with your cat, then unwind together with a grooming session to deepen the bond with your feline companion.

If your cat came to you as a kitten, there won’t be many changes needed when it comes to caring for and training your adult cat. After all, cats are creatures of habit and don’t take well to change.

However, if you do face a major shift, like a move or having to turn your outdoor cat into an indoor one, approach these challenges as you always do — with patience and understanding.

As cats get older, they tend to become calmer and spend more time sleeping. By the age of ten, the passing years often start to show — both in their appearance and health.

Once the first signs of aging appear, it’s time to adjust daily routines to meet the special needs of senior cats.

Here’s how you can tell your cat is aging:

• First you can notice changes in the fur, such as the appearance of gray hairs, become noticeable.
• The coat becomes duller and mats more easily – grooming doesn’t get any easier with age.
• The posture is no longer as graceful as it was in younger years.
• Eating and drinking habits change.
• Memory and senses begin to decline. Older cats may sometimes forget their litter box training or wander around confused.
• Your cat’s joints and mind also age. If conditions like arthritis, arthrosis, or dementia are detected early, symptoms can often be well managed.

If your cat is still free of complaints, you can help prevent age-related issues with regular physical and mental exercise.

High-quality food for senior cats helps keep your feline friend healthy and active for longer.

Senior cat food should be:

• easy to chew
• tailored to your cat’s decreasing energy needs
• high in quality
• easy to digest
• free from undefined ingredients

Cats with chronic illnesses require a special feeding plan, which your veterinarian will create with you.

Cats in their golden years need one thing above all: understanding. New quirks or the occasional urine accident on the floor are simply part of the aging process.

Provide your senior cat with a litter box with a low entry, a small step to help them onto the sofa, cozy warm hideaways, quiet retreats, and an elevated food bowl — your cat will feel your love and be able to peacefully enjoy their twilight years.